Examine your desire to change

In life, if you are like most people, you want to improve. You want to be healthier, happier, more active, a better parent … the list is endless. But have you ever stopped to investigate what or who is prompting the desire to improve? More often than not, our drive to do better, change and grow can come from a place inside that is “not OK” with ourselves. We don’t like who we are or where we are, so we want to change—and we want to change fast!

As a result, we put pressure on ourselves. In evaluating our progress, we may find ourselves thinking, “not good enough” or “not fast enough”. Like most, you might also compare yourself with others to see how your change is going. Next time, try a different approach. Don’t jump into action. Don’t analyze. Don’t even try to “force” acceptance.

If you find yourself struggling, don’t worry. Just sit with the questions; contemplate them. As you do, you might uncover some conclusions you have made about yourself. You may also uncover a piece of self-understanding and self-compassion.

As you open up space for more patience and permission, you might even find that you are going toward your “best self” with more energy and passion than ever before!